Arctic Winter Games ceremony draws praise from participants and spectators

Kathleen Netser, Team Nunavut (soccer). “It was awesome. The best part was that I was there with all my friends and my brother. But I was too short to see the dancing.”

Rick Ningeocheak, Team Nunavut (soccer). “It was awesome, but I had to stand a long time. I liked the dancers, but Hobo Jim was my favorite part.”

Kyle Campbell, Team Alberta North (hockey). “It was loud. My favorite part was walking in with all the other athletes.”

Mike Bergeron, Team Alberta North (hockey). “There were a lot of people there and Hobo Jim was definitely my favorite part of the event.”

Brennan Linn, Alberta North. father of Team Alberta North soccer player. “They did a really good job. My favorite part was seeing my daughter in the crowd. The whole thing told a pretty good story.”

Jeff Moran, Games volunteer. “It’s something new to me, I’ve never been to one. It was pretty orderly and organized well.” Now that the games are officially open I hope to be able to meet people from other countries.”

Joe Nava, Team Alaska board of directors. “I’ve attended all the opening ceremonies. This one was very well done, very well organized. All the volunteers passing the torch was a very nice touch. Having an Olympic medalist light the torch was something I had never seen in the games history.

Bob Bondurant, Soldotna. “I was impressed that the televised version turned out so well. I hope now that now the Games have started I can start seeing and meeting people from other countries. I’m impressed that our part of the world can be involved in this one thing together.”